The 12 Cans of Christmas

Whether you’re one for embracing the festivities or take more of a Bah Humbug approach, it seems the ongoing threat of COVID-19 is set to scupper the traditional “Christmas do” this year.

However, the enforced closures of our favourite festive haunts needn’t spell the end of the beloved Yuletide knees up, as thanks to the humble beverage can, there’s a wealth of bar quality offerings vying to bring the party to you this Christmas.

Thanks in part to the craft beer revolution and an increase in at-home consumption, 2020 has seen an influx of creatively crafted, premium canned cocktails hit supermarket shelves across the land – and it’s fair to say they’ve taken the nation by storm.

With 10 million Brits now including cocktails in their drinks repertoires, and demand growing at 10% per annum, canned cocktails have even been added to the basket of goods the U.K. statistics office uses to calculate inflation.

Likewise, canned wine is fast becoming big business too, with the UK market now worth more than £3.6 million and global sales set to reach a staggering £118.7m by 2027.

This surge in popularity follows the trend in the US, where last year over two hundred canned wines from across the globe battled it out at the first annual International Canned Wine Competition in California.

But it’s not just the quality of these products that make the caned format so appealing, they’re better for the planet too. Lighter and easier to recycle, the can boasts a much smaller carbon footprint than its packaging rivals, while in the UK, 76% of aluminium cans are recycled.

So, clear some space in the fridge, crank up your favourite Christmas tunes, and crack open a can of your favourite holiday tiple. Here’s our pick of the best.

Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Pinot Noir, 13.5% abv
Grown in the cool climate of Monterey County, California, Coppola’s Diamond Pinot Noir offers a stunning fragrance and vibrant texture. It's stylish character and flawless balance reflect a textbook vintage and exceptional fruit quality.

The Uncommon Bacchus, 11.5% abv
Made with Bacchus grapes grown only 20 miles from London, this crisp and bubbly white and is packed with elderflower, passion fruit and grapefruit flavours. A very pretty mouthful.

Mirabeau Pret a Porter Rosé, 13% abv
This deliciously fruity pale rosé has a charming nose of ripe cherry, raspberry and just a little redcurrant. The perfect accompaniment for aromatic dishes, roast chicken and herby festive salads.

Barefoot Strawberry & Guava Wine Seltzer, 4% abv
Made from a blend of sparkling water, white wine and natural fruit flavourings, this mouth-watering seltzer is as refreshing as it is vibrant, with gorgeous aromas of strawberries and guava. Best enjoyed chilled or over ice.

Bloody Drinks, The Bloody Classic, 6.3% abv
The UK’s first premium premixed Bloody Mary in a can. Crafted using nothing but proper, quality ingredients, and canned for maximum freshness and instant satisfaction. They’re Bloody perfect every time.

East London Liquor Co. Rum & Ginger, 4.6% abv
East London Liquor Company has got you covered for ready-to-drink deliciousness with its awesome Rum & Ginger. A hit of ginger beer, a kick of red chilli and a shot of their East London Rum. A refreshing, spicy serve.

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic, 6.5% abv
Whatever the occasion, this pre-mix G&T is skilfully crafted to showcase the signature juniper and citrus notes of the famous London gin. Not only does it deliver against the promise of quality, it’s free of artificial flavours and colours too.

Punchy Drinks Golden Hour, 0 - 4% abv
Hand crafted in Peckham, this delicious, spiced punch is made using all natural ingredients, including zesty blood orange, cardamom and bitters. Available as both a 0% and 4%-abv option, it’s a fun, tasty choice for when you’re drinking… or not.

Camden Town Brewery, Camden Hells, 4.6% abv
The one that started it all for Camden Town Brewery, this Pilsner-Helles hybrid features notes of lemon, orange and spicy herbs, complemented by sweet caramel and biscuity notes from the malts. A top choice for lager lovers.

Wild Beer Co, Millionaire, 4.7% abv
A salted caramel chocolate milk stout that offers a delicious dessert vibe just like the chocolate caramel shortbreads which inspired it. Packed with cocoa nibs, sea salt, lactose and a selection of rich malts, its decadent in the extreme.

Brewdog, Hoppy Christmas, Morrisons, 6% abv
Brewdog’s festive IPA is a fruity fellow that delivers an all-out blitzen of citrus flavour by the sack load. Citrus and tropical fruits on the red nose. Tangy citrus, papaya and pineapple dancers across the palate. Their words, not ours.

Infinite Sessions, American Pale Ale, 0.5% abv
Brewed just like a regular beer with yeast, hops and barley, this award-winning American Pale combines a smooth, six-grain body with tropical new-world hops to give a refreshing and bitter flavour. The perfect beer for when you choose not to booze.